TOMORROW the Saints will welcome high flying Highland Football League side Brora Rangers to the Links for their first round match in the North of Scotland Cup. Since the draw was made the committee and players of St Duthus have been preparing in anticipation for the visit of one of their closest neighbours.

It's been a good few weeks for St Duthus. Victories over Alness United and Thurso have seen them reach the Jock Mackay Cup Final, which will take place in Invergordon on April 15th. This weekend's visit of Brora Rangers, however, presents Stuart Ross and his side with an altogether different prospect.

It goes without saying that the pressure and the onus to win is on our high flying visitors who are by far the favourites to win on Saturday. We’re just simply looking forward to hosting such a game and giving people in Tain a chance to see us in action against a team of high calibre.

The lads turned out well in training this week, back on grass after the clocks changing, although we are unfortunately missing some of our more experienced players today due to work commitments. The team will be brimming with youthful exuberance though, and it shall be their chance to show what they can do and make an impression.

While St Duthus will have a rough idea of their squad for Saturday, it is yet to be determined who will travel down from Brora to represent the opposition. Ross Tokely has stated that the Saints will be "no easy opponents" and with that in mind it is expected that the Cattachs will equip themselves well for the tie. Whatever team they list on the day, they will be formidable opponents. Just last weekend they disposed of nearby title rivals Formartine United by five goals to nothing - a startling sign of a Brora side who are most definitely "on song" just now.

Result aside, one thing is for certain is that it will be an entertaining game in front of what should be a good crowd at the Links, and most likely the biggest of the season to date.